He speaks from the national team’s retreat Riccardo Calafioriwho comments on his arrival in the Italy squad as follows: “I am very happy with everything that is happening, it is an enormous satisfaction to be here, a dream come true. From Bologna I would bring serenity, tranquility, that fun which is fundamental to do this job.”
There’s a lot of talk about how fundamental Motta was to your improvements, but what has changed in you to get to this level? Do you have a role model?
“A lot. I have improved from a mental point of view, this aspect is so important in a footballer, it must be trained at least as much as the physical one. I have always had a good personality with the ball, but with Motta I really exaggerated. He always asked me to playing ball and chain, without fear of making mistakes even if I made some mistakes, it wasn’t a problem for him. I try to steal a bit from everyone, but here it is Sticks which is devastatingI try to take something from him.”
Does it change to play central or full back?
“Everything changes from full-back to central, the vision of the ball and also the space to occupy. For the rest, with three or four it doesn’t change much.”
Are you more of a goalscorer constructor or do you want to become a more timid central defender like Chiellini?
“I have many strengths but just as many things that I need to improve. I think it’s difficult to manage to mark a striker like Chiellini, since I was born I believe he has been the absolute number one. I have a lot to learn from him, but I also have to improve in phase of possession”.
